Pool 300

ABSTRACT

The Pool-300™ game enables one or more players to utilize standard pool equipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks, balls and a pool table) or specially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play an individual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individual frames. For each of the M frames, ten (10) sequentially numbered balls are racked in different pre-assigned configurations, each with a different numbered ball being the head ball. A Pool-300™ Rules Sheet and Pool-300™ Score Sheet are provided to explain how the game is played and illustrate which configuration is to be utilized for each frame. Frame scores, based on the number of balls pocketed in each frame, are recorded for each frame, and a final tally of scores calculated as the player&#39;s score for the game. In a first of two innings of each frame, the rules require the players to pocket the balls in numerical/sequential order.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/225,462, filed on Jul. 14, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates generallyto the game of pool or billiards and specifically to a new method,system, and design for playing and scoring a game which utilizes similarequipment as utilized for playing the game of pool and/or billiards.

2. Description of the Related Art

The game of pool or billiards or snooker or its other implementations iscommonly played with specific rule sets that determines how and/or inwhat order the balls may be sunk during play. “Nine ball” for example,requires the players strike the balls in numbered sequence. Oftenplayers may play a best of N games, where N is an integer number, andthe player that wins the largest number of games wins. While thistraditional method of play tests basic skill on a game to game level,each game is an individual game and loosing by one ball or 6 ballscounts exactly the same. The mundane game play involved in thesestandard pool games tends not to attract new players to the game whoseek more challenging methods to compete while having fun playing agame. This mundane game play is also not as attractive to gamers whoprefer to play and/or enjoy playing standard skills games on theirelectronic mediums/devices.

SUMMARY

A method, system, electronic device game structure and/or configuration,and computer program product present a new game that is played withinstruments/equipment utilized for playing pool or billiards. ThePool-300™ game enables one or more players to utilize standard poolequipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks and balls and a pool table) orspecially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play anindividual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individualframes (M being an integer number). For each of the M frames, ten (10)sequentially numbered balls are racked in different pre-assignedconfigurations, each with a different numbered ball being the head ballthat is placed on the spot on the table. Multiple (L) innings areprovided in each frame for the player to pocket the balls. A Pool-300™Rules Sheet and Pool-300™ Score Sheet are provided to explain how thegame is played and illustrate which configuration is to be utilized foreach frame. Frame scores, based on the number of balls pocketed in eachframe, are recorded for each frame, and a final tally of scorescalculated as the player's score for the game. In a first inning of theframes, the rules require the players to pocket the balls in numericalorder.

In one or more embodiments, multiple different ball rack configurationsare provided, one per frame, for each Pool-300™ game. Each ball rackconfiguration is one of the M different pre-assigned configurations ofinitially racked balls that are required to complete M frames of thesingle Pool-300™ game. During game play and following the break of theracked balls, each of the one or more players are required to pocket theballs in a pre-specified order/sequence in order to obtain/receivescores for such ordered pocketing of the balls.

During play, the player attempts to pocket the balls in a set orderduring a first innings of each frame, and the player looses a turn andmoves to the next inning when the correct ball is not pocketed or on afoul or scratch. During the next inning of the frame, the player maypocket the remaining balls in any order. Each of the one or more playersachieves a score based on the player's ability to sink balls in theparticular order for each frame within the L turns allotted per frame,and the scores for each frame are compiled over the sequence of Mframes. At the end of the M frames, each of the one or more playersreceives a total score, which is calculated and/or tallied and/orcompiled over the M frames played.

A maximum score is established based on the number of frames played(i.e., the value of M) in each Pool-300™ game, and the number of pointsallocated to each ball that is pocketed in the correct order. Therelative skill of each of the one or more players can be determined bythe final score tallied/compiled for that player relative to the maximumscore achievable. In one embodiment, handicaps in scoring may beprovided for less experienced players. In another embodiment, teams ofplayers compete against each other and the teams combine the individualscores of each team member to determine the final team score relative tothe other competing team(s).

The above summary contains simplifications, generalizations andomissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive descriptionof the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide abrief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Othersystems, methods, functionality, features and advantages of the claimedsubject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in theart upon examination of the following figures and detailed writtendescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention is described with illustrative embodiments in thefollowing specification with reference to the drawings, in which likenumbers represent the same or similar elements, as follows:

FIG. 1 is an example score sheet by which one or more players may scoreeach of their individual game scores to determine a final total score atthe end of the M games played in the complete game, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an example score sheet by which one or more players may scoreeach of their individual game scores to determine a final total score atthe end of the M games played in the complete game, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example sequence of ball rack configurationsutilized within a complete game of 10 frames, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 4(A-C) provides an example set of Rules utilized to establish andscore a game of Pool-300™ and a Pool-300™ league according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 5 provides a flow chart of an example set of Rules utilized toestablish and score a game of Pool-300™, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the method of implementing the game in anelectronic environment, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the method by which the final frame of a gameis played and scored according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an example score sheet in which two players have recordedtheir individual game scores and tallied their final total scores afterplaying the M (10) games played in the complete game, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a data processing device and networked system withinwhich an electronic version of the game and/or an electronic version ofthe score sheet may be presented according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the method by which Pool-300™ softwareutility enables a player to register with the league and subsequentlyrecords his/her scores electronically according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 11 illustrated a gaming device with display monitor/screen andwireless and wired controllers and other gaming implements that areutilized to enable a player to play an electronically provided game ofPool-300™, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a method, system,game structure and/or configuration, and computer program product andscoring device are presented of a newly designed structure of a gamegenerally designed around the game of pool. The Pool-300™ game providesa unique ball racking configuration, playing method and scoringmethodology to enable one or more players to utilize standard poolequipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks, balls and a pool table) orspecially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play anindividual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individualframes. For each of the M frames, ten (10) sequentially numbered ballsare racked in different pre-assigned configurations, each with adifferent numbered ball being the head ball. A Pool-300™ Rules Sheet andPool-300™ Score Sheet (e.g., scoring sheet or electronic scoring device)are provided to explain how the game is played and scored and illustratewhich configuration is to be utilized for each frame. Frame scores,based on the number of balls pocketed in each frame, are recorded foreach frame, and a final tally of scores calculated as the player's scorefor the game. Each frame comprises at least two innings In a firstinning of each frame, the rules require the players to pocket the ballsin numerical/sequential order.

Pool-300™ is played with a cue ball and ten numbered object balls. Whiledescribed with ten (10) balls, other embodiments are possible thatutilized a different number of balls in alternate implementations of thegame. According to the described embodiment and as illustrated on one ormore of the Rules sheet, the Score sheet and/or other scoring mechanism(e.g., electronic scoring device) utilized, the ten balls are racked indifferent pre-assigned numeric configurations, with a different ballbeing the head ball that is placed on the spot when the balls are rackedin each of the pre-assigned configurations at the start of the specificframe.

During game play and following the break of the racked balls, each ofthe one or more players are required to pocket the balls in apre-specified order/sequence in at least the first innings of each framein order to obtain/receive credit/scores for such ordered pocketing ofthe balls. In the described embodiment, the order is numerical, suchthat the player has to pocket the balls in ascending (1 to 10) ordescending (10 to 1) order. With the described embodiments of Pool-300™,there is no requirement for the player to “call a pocket” or “call ashot”. Multiple (L) innings/turns are provided in each frame for theplayers to pocket balls, and for at least the first inning, the playerlooses a turn and has to move to the next inning when the correct ballis not pocketed or on a foul. In the described embodiment of the game,each player has at least two chances (innings) to score ten points ineach frame. For the presented embodiments, two innings are played foreach of the first M-1 frames, and two or three innings are played forthe M^(th) frame. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments mayprovide for a different number (L) of turns per frame, and the scope ofthe invention extends to those alternate embodiments, regardless of theselected number of turns played for the particular game or by theparticular player(s).

As described herein, Pool-300™ is a game of offense that involves pureball-pocketing and position-play, with no defense involved. Theillustrated and described embodiments provide that the game is a“points” game with each object ball having equal value, i.e., there isno “game ball”. Each ball legally pocketed counts one point. Alternateembodiments, particularly in an electronic version of the game, mayprovide different values or bonus points for sinking particular balls(e.g., the head ball for the current frame).

As introduced above, the game is played in “frames” with everycompetitor playing the same number of frames. The object of the game isto attain a higher total score than all other opponents after apredetermined number (e.g., M) of frames. In the illustrative anddescribed embodiments, ten frames are provided per game, resulting inthe highest score attainable being three hundred (300). It isappreciated, however, that a complete game may be any number of framesso long as all competitors play the same number of frames. Also, whilemultiple competitors may engage in the game, the game is not directlyinteractive. That is, unlike most standard pool games, a player neverbegins his or her frame with the opponent's “leave”. Each frame for eachcompetitor begins with a new “rack” of ten numbered balls with the cueball in the “kitchen”.

In the illustrative embodiment, a scoring system provided by the gametracks the ability of the one or more players to sink the balls in thepre-specified order for sinking balls. Each of the one or more playersachieves a score based on the player's ability to sink balls in theparticular order for each frame within the L turns allotted to eachframe, and the scores for each frame are compiled over the sequence of Mframes. At the end of the M frames, each of the one or more playersreceives a total score, which is tallied/compiled over the M framesplayed, so that the score achieved in each individual frame is importantto the final score. A maximum score is established based on the numberof frames played (i.e., the value of M) in each Pool-300™ game, and thenumber of points allocated to each ball that is pocketed in the correctorder. The relative skill of each of the one or more players can bedetermined by the final score tallied/compiled for that player relativeto the maximum score. In one embodiment, handicaps in scoring may beprovided for less experienced players. Such handicaps may includeproviding a different value (e.g., 2 points) for each ball sunk in oneor more of the innings of one or more of the frames player by the lessexperienced player. In one implementation, teams of players competeagainst each other and the teams combine the individual scores of eachteam member to determine the final team score relative to the othercompeting team(s).

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example score card orscore sheet, which may be utilized to track the scoring of one or moreplayers engaged in a Pool-300™ game. As provided by score sheet 100, afirst column enables entry of the names of the players (or teams)participating in the Pool-300™ game. The name column 105 is followed bya series of scoring columns, numbered 1 through 10. Each scoring columnis utilized to record the score of the respective frame of the M framesof the Pool-300™ game. In the top row of each scoring column, there isprovided a specific arrangement/configuration/pattern (e.g., 110)indicating the arrangement for ordering the 10 balls utilized in theparticular frame. With a 10 frame score sheet, ten different, uniquearrangements are presented. The changes to the arrangement of the ballsfor each frame prevents higher skilled players from learning a singleplay pattern to sink the lower numbered balls on the break. Since eachframe has a different arrangement of the balls, each frame has to beplayed differently. Within each scoring column, there are one or moreboxes for recording the scores of each inning for that frame. With theelectronic version of the game being more variable, the scoring columnmay have one, two, three or more boxes, depending on the specificimplementation of the game being played. As provided by score sheet 100,there are ten (10) total frames in the Pool-300™ game. For score sheet100, each frame is allocated a maximum total of 30 points (i.e., aplayer may score from zero points up to 30 points in each framedepending on how well the player completes the frame according to thepre-established rules for earning points while playing each frame). Anexpansive summary covering two example set of rules for differentversions of Pool-300™ is provided below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, score sheet 100 also comprises a final score(or score tally) column 115 in which is provided a tally of the finalscore for the Pool-300™ game for the particular player on that row ofscores. Where team play is recorded on a single score sheet, a totalteam tally entry may also be provided on the score sheet, in oneembodiment. Score sheet 100 may be a paper score sheet, or some otherphysical manifestation of a score sheet, such as an erasable wall orhard board (when used in a public pool hall in which the single scoresheet is erasable and thus reusable, for example). Score sheet may alsobe electronic, and may be a handheld electronic score sheet or a wallmounted or seat mounted or pool table mounted electronic score sheet.When an electronic score sheet is provided, other features related tothe scoring may be implemented electronically. For example, thetabulation of total score and or team score may be electronicallycalculated and outputted within the relevant sections of the electronicscore sheet. The electronically generated score sheet may then beuploaded to a central repository of scores for the league and/orestablishment to enable alter access by league officials or theplayer(s). Additionally, a mechanism for printing one or more copies ofthe electronic score sheet via a printing device may be provided.

It should be understood that while only certain aspects of theillustrated embodiments are described as being capable of electronicimplementation, the entire set of features, rules, et al., may beimplemented via an electronic version of the game, and the featuresdescribed herein and the coverage thereof are understood to apply tosuch electronic representations as well.

Also, while the example score sheet is illustrated as providing tenframes in the game, the features of the invention are also applicable toPool-300™ games comprising of any number of frames from one to a finitenumber. The score sheet may thus contain a different number of columns.For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment, which showsscore sheet 200 that is adapted for league play. Score sheet 200 hasonly three (3) scoring columns for three frames per round of play. Scoresheet includes entries for a Home team and a Visiting team, and namecolumns 105 for listing each team member. This shortened form of thegame is more ideal for league type play where there are a larger numberof players involved. Score sheet 200 has several different scoringentries, including a first round total score 220, a second round totalscore 221, a total combine score/points 223, and a team score 225. Aswith score sheet 100, score sheet 200 also presents the differentarrangements of the balls for each frame played.

In other embodiments, multiple score sheets may be used to score gamesmade up of more frames than provided for on a single score sheet. As anext alternative, only some of the columns in the printed score sheetmay be used for a game comprising less number of frames than providedfor on the score sheet. With the electronic implementation of the game(described in greater details below), the number of frames to be playedby each of the players may be selected during set up of the game and thescore sheet is then generated based on this received input from theplayer(s). It is therefore conceivable that a game may include a largenumber of frames that may be played over some extended period of time(e.g., 100 frames over 1 month).

Referring now to FIG. 3, there are illustrated the multipleconfigurations for racking the balls in the different frames of aPool-300™ game comprising 10 frames. As shown, with thisversion/implementation of Pool-300™, only balls numbered 1 through 10 ofthe set of 15 balls are utilized to play the Pool-300™ games. Beginningwith first rack configuration 110 a through tenth rack configuration 110j, each configuration provides a specific, unique arrangement of the tenballs when racked. As illustrated, the configurations are arranged suchthat the first configuration provides a first arrangement of the ballswith ball one (the ball with reference numeral 1 displayed thereon)located at the top of the configuration (referred to as the “head”ball), the second configuration provides a second arrangement of theballs with ball two (the ball with reference numeral 2 displayedthereon) located at the top of the configuration, and so on, up to thetenth configuration (in which ball 10 is located at the top). The balllocated at the top of each configuration, the “head” ball, is placed onthe “spot” when setting/racking the balls on the pool table for thatframe in the game.

In one or more embodiments, multiple different ball rack configurationsare provided, one per frame, in each Pool-300™ game. In a firstembodiment illustrated herein by FIGS. 1 and 3, the rackingconfiguration allows for each numbered ball to be sequentially placedin/on the head spot in ascending order, whereby numbered ball “1” isplaced on the spot for the first frame, numbered ball “2” is placed onthe spot for the second frame, and numbered ball “9” is placed on thespot for the ninth frame, and so on. As the frame number increases, theprevious head ball is rotated to the end of the racking order. Theremaining balls are then placed in sequentially order, in a round robinfashion, in a pyramid/triangular rack configuration, wherein the headball is followed by two balls on the next row, three balls on the thirdrow and four balls on the fourth row, according to the illustrativeembodiment (a different rack configuration may be possible in alternateembodiments). In one embodiment, the racking configuration of the ballsfor each frame to be played is identified by the score sheet or scoringmechanism. Each ball rack configuration is one of the M differentpre-assigned configurations of initially racked balls that are requiredto complete M frames of the single Pool-300™ game.

While the order of frame play is presented in numerical sequence, thefeatures described herein are also applicable to random order of frameplay, or reversed order, or any other order selected by the players orofficials of the game (during league or competition play, for example).For example, the players may being with frame 10 and play back to frame1 (where the frames are numbered according to the head ball and rackconfiguration), rather than beginning with frame 1. However, the lastframe is played according to the rules established for playing the lastframe. With an electronic version of the score sheet, a scramble may beimplemented to allow the various rack configurations to be arbitrarilyassigned by the executing utility generating the score sheet. Thus, inthe electronic version of the game, a random selection of one of the tenrack configurations may be provided as a selectable option for theplayer. Additionally, even with the non-electronic play (i.e., realplay) of the game, the player may select a random ordering of the rackconfigurations and then play the game with this random selection (whichmay be displayed electronically or printed on a printed score sheetprovided to the player prior to the game being played).

According to one embodiment, utilizing the example score sheet of FIG. 1with 10 frames per game, the rules by which a Pool-300™ game is playedare as follows. First, the object of the game is for a player to scoreas many points as possible in ten frames. Scoring follows a specificformat, which is described in detail hereinafter and generally providedwithin Rules Sheet 400 of FIG. 4, as well as the flow charts of FIGS. 5and 6. For a Pool-300™ game, a perfect score is 300. As provided herein,it is appreciated that different perfect scores may be assigned based onthe version of the game being played. For example Pool-300™ may providea perfect score of 330, with 11 frames rather than 10 frames, each framebeing assigned a maximum score of 30 points, or in the shortened form ofthe game (i.e., three frames, as illustrated by FIG. 3, a perfect scoremay be 90). Other versions of the “name” may be provided based on theactual final score, such that Pool-330 may be used to reference a gameof Pool-300™ in which 11 frames are played for a total score of 330.

Pool 300™ provides many significant differences/variations between theactual rules and form of play from existing pool games and/or bowlinggames or any combination games that are scored similar to bowling or tobilliards. These differences add to the uniqueness of Pool-300™ whencompared to these other games. The following description of the Rules ofplay generally follows the Rules provided for in Rule Sheet 400 of FIG.4(A-C). Rule Sheet 400 may be recreated/presented in written/printedform on any physical surface, including on paper or on a board (e.g.,chalk board) or on an erasable wall in the establishment in whichPool-300™ games are being played. Rule Sheet 400 may also be provided inelectronic form on a device having a processor, an output device, suchas a display, and an executable application that provides a display ofthe rules when executed by the processor. Rule Sheet 400 may also beaccessed via a website located on the Internet or other distributednetwork that is accessible to the players or interested persons. Withthis method of access, the person may enter a universal resource locator(URL) within a web browser on their electronic device (computer, smartphone, personal digital assistant, PDA, game machine, et al.) to accessthe location at which the rules may be accessible. In one embodiment,this location is the official website for Pool-300™ (e.g., pool-300.com)or a website for a third party promoter of the game (e.g., a Pool-300league website or a pool website or a cue stick website). In oneimplementation, certain features of the game or an electronic version ofthe game may be downloaded from the website at which the rules arelocated.

The basic rules of play, which have been introduced above, includes thefollowing, without limitation to expansions thereon or alternateembodiments thereof: (1) each player gets two chances (innings) to runten balls in each frame. (2) Except for the final frame, the balls areracked only once per frame. (3) The final frame may sometimes (but notalways) require up to three racks and three total innings. (4) Duringany first inning of each frame, the balls must be pocketed in numericalorder. (5) During any second inning the balls may be pocketed in anyorder.

The object of the first inning is to pocket the ten object balls innumerical order without missing. In order to score a point and continueshooting the player must legally pocket the lowest numbered ball on thetable. As one difference from other similarly scored games, any carom orcombination is allowed, and the cue ball is not required to hit thelowest numbered ball first so long as the lowest numbered ball ispocketed. There are no “bad hits”. If all ten balls are legally pocketedduring the first inning, the frame is scored as a “strike” and thestrike is recorded within the particular frame (column) of the scoresheet 100/200.

If a strike is not scored in the first inning of the frame, then theobject of the second inning, in any frame, is to pocket the remainingballs in any order. To score a point and continue shooting, the playermust legally pocket an object ball. That second inning score is thenrecorded in the second box/entry within the same frame (column) of thescore sheet 100/200.

Except for the break, a shot scores (and afterward the player continuesshooting) if the lowest ball on the table is pocketed and no foulsoccur. If the lowest number ball is legally pocketed, any other ballspocketed on that shot (stroke) remain down and count. The next shot,following a legally pocketed ball (unless it is the last ball on thetable) is taken from where ever the cue ball stops.

Also provided by the rules for league play, POOL-300™ leagues are playedunder the commonly known “cue ball foul only” rules. However, sincethere is not actually an opponent during play of each inning, playersmay be obligated to call fouls on themselves. Also, in one embodiment,when one object ball is inadvertently touched (moved) and the movementdoes not interfere with the outcome of the shot, then the player isobligated to place the inadvertently moved ball back as close aspossible to the original position and is not accessed a foul. However,in certain embodiments, when more than one object ball is movedinadvertently that inadvertent movement of multiple object balls isconsidered a foul. Also during play with additional players, anyobserving player (on either of the two competing teams, if playing asteams) may call a foul.

Where applicable and where not contradicted or supplemented by theseOFFICIAL POOL-300™ RULES, the GENERAL RULES of the OFFICIAL RULES OF THEBCA POOL LEAGUE, copyrighted 2009 by BCA Pool League, apply. A copy ofthese rules can be found at world-wide web address“playbca.com/Downloads/Rulebook/CompleteRulebook.aspx”, and relevantportions thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

According to one embodiment, and as provided for by the rules presentedin Rule Sheet 400 and the flow charts, the balls must be rackedaccording to the diagrams/patterns displayed on the version of theofficial score sheet being utilized fir recording score, e.g., scoresheet 100 (FIG. 1). As provided by block 501 of the flow chart of FIG.5, the method of playing the game begins with the player (or thecomputer or game device) racking the balls in the rackarrangement/pattern for the first frame. The first inning in eachsubsequent frame begins by the player (or computer or gram device)racking the balls according to the pattern designated for that frame onthe official score sheet. As described above, the rack arrangement ofthe balls is different for each frame, and the “head” ball is placed onthe spot. With the description of the illustrative embodiments, generalscoring and/or methods of playing will remain similar to the scoring andplaying methodologies described above for a M frame game. That is thegame is described as beginning with frame 1 and continuing to last frameM, with two innings given for each of the first M-1 frames (unless astrike is recorded on the first inning) and a variable number 2-3innings for frame M.

The first inning of each frame begins similar to a standard game ofpool, where the player/shooter begins by breaking the rack of balls(block 503). The shooter breaks from behind the head string. Unless afoul occurs on the break, all balls pocketed remain down and counttoward that inning However, pocketing a ball on the break is notrequired to continue the first inning of the frame. If the playerscratches (fouls) on the break (505), the scratch is treated similar toa gutter ball in bowling. That is no points are awarded, and all ballspocketed are spotted on the table (506). Once the break is completed,the player takes the cue ball in hand and places the cue ball anywhereon the table to begin the first inning (507). Except for the break,during the first inning, the player has to pocket the balls in numericorder, and the player begins with the lowest number ball on the table inorder to score and continue that turn (509). There are no “bad hits”,i.e., the player may hit any ball first. Thus, combinations and caroms(i.e., hitting any ball first) are allowed, provided the player pocketsthe lowest number ball remaining on the table. The player then continuesshooting until all balls are legally pocketed (511) or the player missesthe next lowest number ball or fouls on the shot (512). The first inningends when: (1) all ten balls are legally pocketed without missing, (2)after the break, the shooter fails to pocket the lowest ball on thetable, or (3) a foul is committed after the break. Thus, except on thebreak, if a miss or foul occurs, the first inning ends and no ballspocketed during that shot (stroke) count. In the described embodiments,there are no penalties attributed to fouls (i.e., fouls do not affectthe players score). Once the first inning is completed, the playerrecords his score within the score sheet, in the first square of thatsheet. If the player sinks all of the balls in the first inning, theplayer records a strike (X) (513) and does not take a second inning(unless in the M^(th) frame). The player passes to the next player, ormoves to the next frame (515) if playing by himself or on a separatetable from a competing player. Otherwise the player records the numberof balls legally pocketed in the appropriate box within the frame on thescore sheet being played and moves on to the second inning (517).

The second inning begins by spotting any illegally pocketed ball fromthe last shot of the first inning (519). All other remaining objectballs are left where they stopped during the last shot of the firstinning The player commences playing the second inning with cue ball inhand and places the ball anywhere on the table (521). The player thencommences to shoot at the balls in any order (i.e., not necessarily innumerical order) (523) until all balls are legally pocketed or a miss ora foul occurs (525). Thus, the second inning ends when: (1) theremaining object balls are all legally pocketed without missing, (2) theshooter fails to legally pocket an object ball, or (3) a foul iscommitted. The score for the second inning is the total number of ballslegally pocketed during the inning If all of the remaining object ballsare legally pocketed during the second inning, the frame is scored as a“spare” (527). If a miss or foul occurs (529), the second inning endsand no balls pocketed during that shot count. The number of legallypocketed balls is then recorded/entered in the appropriate box of theframe on the score sheet (531). A running tally of the total scoreacross the frames played is then tabulated and entered/displayed (514).

In one embodiment, a player's frame begins with a newly racked set often numbered balls, with the head ball on the foot spot of the pooltable and the back row of four balls parallel to the foot rail of thetable. For each frame, the balls are arranged in the rack according tothe pattern shown on the score sheet or according to some otherpredetermined arrangement. The player places the cue ball behind thehead string and breaks the rack as in other pool games. The cue maylegally contact any ball first. Regardless of whether or not a ball ispocketed on the break the player picks up the cue ball and places itanywhere on the table without disturbing or touching other balls. Any ofthe ten numbered balls pocketed on the break, when no foul is committed,remain down, and each ball counts as one point each toward the score forthat frame.

In one embodiment, pocketing a ball on the brake is not required.However, any balls pocketed on the break do count, provided no foulsoccur. After the break, the player may take the ball in hand, place thecue ball anywhere on the table, and continue to pocket the balls until(a) the lowest ball on the table is not pocketed or until (b) all tenballs are legally pocketed or until (c) a miss or a foul occurs. On alegal shot (i.e., one in which the lowest numbered ball on the table ispocketed and a miss or foul does not occur), all balls pocketed counttowards the score, with a single point allocated to each ball pocketed.No penalty is assigned for a foul, except that a foul ends the turn forthat player and no balls pocketed in that stroke are counted towards theplayer's score. In one embodiment, fouls are generally treated the sameas fouls defined in the “OFFICIAL RULES OF BCA POOL LEAGUE”.

After the first “miss”, any balls that were pocketed on the “missstroke” are re-spotted. The player records his/her first score. Theobject balls are left as they are on the table, and the player againtakes the ball in hand to begin the player's second turn for that frame.The player also records the score for the second turn at that frame.Pocketing all the balls in the first turn is considered a “strike” andthe score sheet is marked to indicate a strike in that frame. If thefirst turn results in a strike, the player does not get a second turn inthat frame.

One variance in the game of Pool-300™ compared to most other pool gamesis that the game is not directly interactive. Each player/competitorbegins each frame with a new “rack” of ten numbered balls, and theplayer then has L turns to complete the frame, where L is two (2) in thestandard game format. Thus, a player never begins his or her frame withthe opponent's “leave”.

Referring now to the flow chart of FIG. 6, which provides a descriptionof the method for handling events that occur during the break, under theRules (Rule Sheet 400). As previously introduced, the first inning ineach frame begins by racking the balls according to the assigned patternfor that frame (601), and the shooter breaks from behind the head string(603). If the player fails to hit the rack on the break (605), theplayer gets another chance to execute the break shot from behind thehead string (603). Thus, a failure to hit the rack does not constitute abreak. This “failure to hit the rack re-try” applies even if the cueball goes into a pocket or off the table.

If the player sinks the object ball, i.e., he/she does not miss (607),the balls that are sunk/pocketed on the break are added to the count forthe innings (609). Failure to pocket an object ball on the break (i.e.,a miss) (607) does not end the first inning of that frame. The breakertakes ball in hand and continues the first inning (611). When anunintentional foul occurs on the break (613), the foul does not end theplayer's first inning After an unintentional foul on the break, allballs pocketed are spotted, along the long string (615), and the sameplayer takes ball in hand anywhere on the table to continue the firstinning (611). Unless a foul occurs on the break, all balls pocketedremain down and count toward that inning (609).

The following describes the method by which scores are kept during thegame generally, with specific references made to score sheet 200 (FIG.2). For the first M-1 frames (M being the final frame of a game), theofficial score sheet has two small-squares within each frame. These twosmall-squares are utilized to record the result of each of the twoinnings of the frame M-1 frames that are played. The scores are thenentered as follows.

-   -   In case of a strike, enter an X in the left-hand small-square        and nothing in the right-hand small-square.    -   In case of a spare, enter the first inning score as a number in        the left-hand small-square and a single diagonal line in the        right-hand small-square.    -   In case of neither a strike nor a spare enter each inning's        score as a number in the small-squares, the first inning in the        left hand square and the second inning in the right hand square.

The lower part of each frame is reserved for the running total scoreincluding the score of that particular frame. These running total scoresare calculated as follows:

-   -   In the case of a strike, the running total for that frame is        equal to the previous frame's running total plus ten (for the        strike) plus the scores of the next two innings Note: The        running total for a strike frame cannot be entered until two        subsequent innings are played and recorded. The two subsequent        innings are played in the next frame or the next two frames.    -   In case of a spare, the running total entered in the frame is        equal to the previous frame's running total plus ten (for the        spare) plus the subsequent single inning However, the running        total for this frame cannot be entered until one subsequent        inning is played and recorded. The one subsequent inning is        played in the next frame.    -   In case of an open frame (no strike and no spare), the running        total entered in the frame is equal to the previous frame's        running total plus the total of the two innings of this frame.

Referring now to FIG. 7, which specifically provides the method forevaluating and recording the scores for the M^(th) (final) frame. Withthe final frame, there are four possible scenarios which affect how theframe is played and the scores allocated: (1) A strike in each of thefirst two innings; (2) A strike in the first inning but not in thesecond inning; (3) A spare in the first two innings; and (4) An openframe during the first two innings (no strike and no spare).

Beginning at block 701, there is presented a first scenario in which theplayer records a strike in the first inning of the final frame. Theplayer/device enters an X (10) in the left-hand small-square of scoresheet 200 (703). The player/device then racks the balls and the playerplays a second inning according to “first inning rules” (705). If thesecond inning is also a strike (707), the player again enters an X (10)in the middle small-square of score sheet 200 (709). The player/devicethen racks the balls and plays a third inning according to “first inningrules” (711). Then, the player enters the score of the third inning inthe right-hand small-square of score sheet 200 (713). The running totalentered in the final frame is then calculated (715) and equals theprevious frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the finalframe. The running total score and other portions of the score sheet maybe displayed on a display screen/monitor when electronic scoring isprovided.

Returning now to block 707, when the strike in the first inning is notfollowed by a second strike in the second inning of the final frame,then the player enters the second innings score (716) and plays a thirdinning according to “second inning rules” (717). The running totalentered in the final frame is then calculated as being equal to theprevious frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the finalframe (715).

If at block 701, the player does not record a strike in the firstinning, the player records the individual scores of the first twoinnings (721). If the first two innings of the final frame result in aspare (723), the player/device racks the balls and the player plays onemore inning according to “first inning rules” (711) and records thatscore (713). The running total entered in the final frame is thecalculated (715) as equal to the previous frame's total plus the totalof the three innings of the final frame. However, if the player does notrecord a spare (i.e, the player records an open frame) after the firsttwo innings of the final frame, then the player/device enters each ofthe two inning's score in the first two small-squares and zero in thethird small-square of score sheet 200 (725). The running total enteredin the final frame is then calculated as equal to the previous frame'stotal plus the total of the two innings of the final frame (727).

In each of the flow charts above, one or more of the methods may beembodied in a computer readable medium containing computer readable codesuch that a series of steps are performed when the computer readablecode is executed on a computing device. In some implementations, certainsteps of the methods are combined, performed simultaneously or in adifferent order, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the spiritand scope of the invention. Thus, while the method steps are describedand illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence ofsteps is not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. Changesmay be made with regards to the sequence of steps without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present invention. Use of a particularsequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the game, each player (or the league, whenPool-300™ is played in league format) maintains records (physical and/orelectronic) of previous play, and the records are utilized to determinean average score for each/every player. The “average” may be stated as aten frame average, in one embodiment (FIG. 1) or a three frame average,in another embodiment (FIG. 2), or an “M” frame average. Alternatively,the average could be stated as a per frame average, in anotherembodiment. In yet another embodiment, a “per frame average” is utilizedto handicap competition of any number of frames. Also, according to oneembodiment, based on average scores from previous play, each player orteam of players may be handicapped to allow players of various skilllevels to compete on a somewhat level basis, where the moreadvanced/skilled player does not always win the competition.

Thus, from the above rules and described methods, a complete frame ofplay in one embodiment of Pool-300™ provides the following sequence ofactions of the player (or game device) and associated scoring by theplayer (or game device):

-   -   a. Rack the balls.    -   b. Break from behind the head string.    -   c. Take “ball in hand” anywhere on the table.    -   d. Shoot until all balls are legally pocketed or a miss or a        foul occurs.    -   e. If all ten balls are pocketed without missing and no fouls        occur then that is a perfect frame and is scored as a strike,        and the player does not get a second turn in that frame.    -   f. If a miss or a foul occurs, then the player retrieves all        balls that were illegally pocketed on that shot (stroke) and        spots the retrieved balls on the long string. Then the player        takes the cue ball in hand again anywhere on the table (without        re-racking the balls) and tries to run the remainder of the        balls without missing or fouling.    -   g. If the player pockets all the remaining balls, then the        pocketing of the remaining balls is scored as a “spare”.    -   h. After the second ball in hand, if the player misses or fouls        before legally pocketing all ten balls then the frame is scored        as an open frame.

The above sequence of frame play continues until all players/competitorshave played the pre-determined number of frames. The player with thehighest total score including any predetermined handicap wins. While theabove illustrative embodiments have been described from the perspectiveof one player completing the L number of turns in a frame, one possiblevariation of the game may allow two players playing as a team toactually alternate playing each turn of the frame(s) or each shot duringa turn, rather than playing every turn or shot for their own individualframe(s). Other similar variations may be implemented in differentversions of the game, and these variations fall within the scope of theinvention and/or its equivalents.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example score sheet 100 following completion of agame of Pool-300™ with ten frames. As shown, two players have played atotal of ten frames with each frame having a different head ballassigned within the racked configuration of balls. The rackpattern/configuration is provided by the respective ball arrangementprovided above each column in which a frame score is recorded, and thepatterns/configurations are similar to those illustrated by FIGS. 1 and3. When the scores of each frame are tallied, the score sheet shows thatthe first player has compiled a total score of 221 (out of a possiblemaximum score of 300), while the second player compiled a score of 153.If both players were playing as a team, the team score would then be thesum of the two combined scores, i.e., 374 (out of a possible score of600).

With reference now FIG. 9, there is depicted a block diagramrepresentation of an example data processing system (DPS), as may beutilized within one embodiment. DPS 900 may be server, a personalcomputer, a portable device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA),a smart phone, and/or other types of electronic devices that maygenerally be considered processing devices that enable user interactionstherewith. DPS 900 may also be a gaming device, such as a Wii® orGameboy® or other gaming device that enables user interaction withexecutable software that implements certain aspects of the functionalelectronically provided components of the described embodiments. Anexample gaming device system is provided by FIG. 11, which is describedbelow.

As illustrated by FIG. 9, DPS 900 comprises at least one processor orcentral processing unit (CPU) 910 connected to system memory 915 viasystem interconnect/bus 905 (or directly integrated on a single chip).Also connected to CPU 910 (perhaps via system bus 905) is Input/output(I/O) controller 920, which provides connectivity and control for inputdevices, of which pointing device (or mouse) 921 and keyboard 923 areillustrated. In the gaming environment, the I/O devices may take theform of any type of game controller or accessory, and such devices mayinclude a pool cue with electronics inserted therein or attached theretoto detect the movement of the cue as the player operates/interacts withan electronic version of the Pool-300™ game (see FIG. 11). I/Ocontroller 920 also provides connectivity and control for outputdevices, of which display 925 is illustrated. Additionally, a multimediadrive 927 (e.g., compact disk read/write (CDRW) or digital video disk(DVD) drive) and USB (universal serial bus) port 929 are illustrated,coupled to I/O controller 920. Multimedia drive 927 and USB port 929enable insertion of a removable storage device (e.g., optical disk orthumb drive) on which data/instructions/code may be stored and/or fromwhich data/instructions/code may be retrieved. DPS 900 also comprisesstorage 952/954 (internal/external), within/from whichdata/instructions/code (such as the scoring history of a player orleague, the handicap of one or more players, the Rules of play, etc.)may also be stored/retrieved.

DPS 900 is also illustrated with a network interface device (NID) 950,by which DPS 900 may connect to one or more access/external networks960, of which the Internet is provided as one example. NID 950 may beconfigured to operate via wired/or wireless connection to an accesspoint of the network. Network 960 may be an external network such as theInternet or wide area network (WAN), or an internal network such as anEthernet (local area network—LAN) or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).Connection to the external network 960 may be established via a webinterface with one or more servers 965, which may also providedata/instructions/code (related to Pool-300™ game or Pool-300™ leagueplay) for execution on DPS 900, in one embodiment.

In addition to the above described hardware components of DPS 900,various features of the invention are completed/supported via software(or firmware) code or logic stored within memory 915 or other storage(e.g., storage 952) and executed by CPU 910. Thus, for example,illustrated within memory 915 are a number of software/firmware/logiccomponents, including operating system (OS) 930 (e.g., MicrosoftWindows®, a trademark of Microsoft Corp, or GNU®/Linux®, registeredtrademarks of the Free Software Foundation and The Linux MarkInstitute), and Pool-300™ gaming utility 945 (which executes on CPU 910to provide specific Pool-300™ logic). Within or associated withPool-300™ gaming utility 945 are Pool-300™ rules 935, Pool-300™ ScoreSheet 937 and League membership and score information 939 (received viathe method of FIG. 10, described hereafter). In actual implementation,Pool-300™ rules 935, Pool-300™ Score Sheet 937 and League membership andscore information 939 may be a part of or incorporated within Pool-300™gaming utility 945 to provide a single executable component,collectively providing the various functions required for enableexecution of Pool-300™ game on DPS 900 or for providing access toPool-300™ rules and league information to a user of DPS 100 or secondDPS 965. With the latter implementation, DPS 900 operates as a serverstoring league and game information and DPS 900 is accessible via thenetwork 960. For simplicity, Pool-300™ utility 945 is illustrated anddescribed as a stand alone or separate software/firmware component,which provides specific functions, as described below.

In one embodiment, servers 965 includes a software deploying server, andDPS 900 communicates with the software deploying server (965) vianetwork (e.g., Internet 960) using network interface device 950. Then,the Pool-300™ utility 945 may be deployed from/on the network, viasoftware deploying server 965. With this configuration, softwaredeploying server may perform some or all of the functions associatedwith the execution of Pool-300™ utility 945. Accordingly, DPS 900 is notrequired to utilize internal computing resources of DPS 900 to executePool-300™ utility 945. In one embodiment, the Pool-300™ utility 945 isdownloaded as an application (“app”) on a mobile device and is providedby a content provider, such as Apple, Inc. or Google®.

CPU 910 executes Pool-300™ utility 945, which includes certain userinterface features that may be graphical or textural. In at least oneembodiment, Pool-300™ utility 945 generates/provides several graphicaluser interfaces (GUI) to enable user interaction with, or manipulationof, the functional features provided by Pool-300™ utility 945 whenexecuted by CPU 910. Among the software code/instructions/logic providedby Pool-300™ utility 945, and which are specific to the invention, are:(a) code/logic for; (b) code/logic for; and (c) code/logic for.According to the illustrative embodiment, when CPU 910 executes XYZutility 945, DPS 900 initiates a series of functional processes thatenable the above functional features as well as additionalfeatures/functionality. These various features/functionalities have beendescribed in greater above within the preceding descriptions, andillustrated by FIGS. 1-8.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwarecomponents and basic configuration depicted in FIG. 9 may vary. Theillustrative components within DPS 100 are not intended to beexhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight essentialcomponents that are utilized to implement the present invention. Forexample, different configurations of data processing systems/devices maybe utilized containing other devices/components, which may be used inaddition to or in place of the hardware depicted. The depicted exampleis not meant to imply architectural or other limitations with respect tothe presently described embodiments and/or the general invention.

Jumping ahead to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an example gamingenvironment, in which user interactive aspects of the describedembodiments may be advantageously implemented. Gaming environmentcomprises a gaming device (interchangeably referred to as a gameconsole) 1115, which is coupled to a display device 1110, such as atelevision screen or computer monitor. In one embodiment gaming device1115 may include a screen that is not a separate component therefrom.Gaming device 1115 includes mechanisms to enable a wired connection aswell as a wireless connection (via wireless transceiver 1120) forcommunicating to one or more I/O or other devices. As shown, gamingdevice 1115 is connected to a controller 1130 via one of the wired orwireless connections. Controller 1130 includes one or more selectableaffordances (e.g., buttons) for setting up gaming device 1115 andcontrolling certain of the functions of the various programs or gamesthat may execute in gaming device/console 1115. It is appreciated thatgame console 1115 may itself have several selectable affordances forcontrolling the functions of game console 1115. Also connected bywireless communication interface is one or more playing implements ofwhich cue stick 1105 is provided as an example. Cue stick 1105 may be aspecially made cue stick with built in sensors and transceivers for usein playing electronic pool games, including Pool-300™. Cue stick 1115may also be a regular cue stick that is enhanced for play by attaching aremovable wireless (or wired) sensor 1107 to the body of the cue stick1105.

Game console 1115 may execute Pool-300™ utility 945 (FIG. 9) or similarcode specially designed for execution of game console 1115, in order toallow a user of cue stick 1105 to play a game of Pool-300™ on theelectronic medium. With the Pool-300™ utility 945 executing thereon,game console 1115 generates graphical depictions of a pool table 1125with balls on display 1110. Game console 1115 also presents a inning byinning or frame by frame score 1149 as well as other Pool-300™information 1145 to enable the user to interact with and complete anelectronic game of Pool-300™. League play via electronic medium is alsosupported in one embodiment, as game consoles are now able to access theinternet and link several geographically dispersed users to a singleshared environment. Game console 1115, controller 1130 and playingimplements may take the form of any type of game controller oraccessory, and such devices may include a pool cue with electronicsinserted therein or attached thereto to detect the movement of the cueas the player operates/interacts with an electronic version of thePool-300™ game.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, device, method or computerprogram product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may takethe form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely softwareembodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) oran embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system”,“device” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the formof a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readablemedium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated one method by which aplayer or team is able to register via an electronic medium with thePool-300™ league or Pool-300™ playing community. The process begins atblock 1001 and proceeds to block 1003 at which Pool-300™ utilityexecutes on a DPS or other device (e.g., a game console), via aprocessor of the device, and receives input from a player who wants toinitiate league registration process. The execution of the Pool-300™utility may be at the Pool-300™ domain server or some third partyPool-300™ registration service that is accessible via a computerterminal either at the local establishment (e.g., a pool hall computer)or via the Internet. The utility generates and displays a request forthe player/team to enter identification information and other relevantinformation for registration, such as the team affiliation andgeographic location (1004). The utility stores the received informationin a league or Pool-300™ database (1005) and then generates aplayer/team profile from the information received and other internallystored parameters (1007). The utility then creates a unique user accountfor the player and/or team (1009). The team/player registrationinformation is then forwarded to the local league manager or affiliatedpool facility that coordinates the league play in the geographic area ofthe player/team (1011). The utility then allows localized access (as ina pool hall) to the player/team profile (1013). As the player/teamengages in league play or individual play, the utility receives updatesof the player/teams scores that are entered at the local terminals inthe facilities at which the player/teams play (1015). Once thisinformation is received, the utility automatically calculates andupdates the player's/team's history and relevant information (e.g.,handicaps, etc.) (1017) and stores the updated information as well asany changes to user preferences received in the league database (1019).The utility also occasionally transmits promotional information andother information to the player/team that is relevant to thatplayer/team or the location in which the player/team is registered toplay (1021). For example, the utility may inform the player/team of anupcoming tournament and the prizes being awarded for individual and teamplay. In at least one embodiment, this information may be forwarded tothe local establishment at which the player/team plays and is thenautomatically displayed to the player/team when he/she/they next logs into record scores for or play a next game of Pool-300™ at an affiliatedlocation.

Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to variousembodiments. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also beloaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, orother devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed onthe computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce acomputer implemented process such that the instructions which execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, R.F., etc., or any suitable combinationof the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations foraspects of the present invention may be written in any combination ofone or more programming languages, including an object orientedprogramming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The program codemay execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user'scomputer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user'scomputer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remotecomputer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may beconnected to the user's computer through any type of network, includinga local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or theconnection may be made to an external computer (for example, through theInternet using an Internet Service Provider).

As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of thepresent invention may be implemented using any combination of software,firmware or hardware. As a preparatory step to practicing the inventionin software, the programming code (whether software or firmware) willtypically be stored in one or more machine readable storage mediums suchas fixed (hard) drives, diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape,semiconductor memories such as ROMs, PROMs, etc., thereby making anarticle of manufacture or computer program product in accordance withthe invention. The article of manufacture/program product containing theprogramming code is used by either executing the code directly from thestorage device, by copying the code from the storage device into anotherstorage device such as a hard disk, RAM, etc., or by transmitting thecode for remote execution using transmission type media such as digitaland analog communication links. The methods of the invention may bepracticed by combining one or more machine-readable storage devicescontaining the code according to the present invention with appropriateprocessing hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatusfor practicing the invention could be one or more processing devices andstorage systems containing or having network access to program(s) codedin accordance with the invention.

Thus, it is important that while an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention is described in the context of a fully functional dataprocessing system with installed (or executed) software, those skilledin the art will appreciate that the software aspects of an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention are capable of being distributed asa program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention applies equally regardless of theparticular type of media used to actually carry out the distribution.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,device or component thereof to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims,as well as any equivalents thereof. Moreover, the use of the termsfirst, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but ratherthe terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element fromanother.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A method for playing a point scoring, skills game involving a cuestick and balls as utilized in the game of pool, the method comprising:racking a plurality of balls in a first configuration among multipleconfigurations that are pre-assigned for uniquely racking the pluralityof balls, wherein the multiple configurations includes up to Mconfigurations, where M is a number of frames to be played in a singlegame; pocketing one or more of the plurality of balls in a firstpre-defined order utilizing the cue stick and a cue ball; assigning ascore for each of the one or more plurality of balls that are pocketedin the first pre-defined order; and recording the score within an entryof a score sheet corresponding to a number of the frame in which thescore was received.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the point scoringskills game has a maximum score of X points attainable when all ballsare pocketed within a first inning of each of the M frames and all ballsare pocketed in a second inning of the M^(th) frame.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: playing a plurality of innings per frame,where the plurality of innings includes at least a first inning and asecond inning; wherein said pocketing in a first pre-defined order isrequired only in the first inning of the plurality of innings; when thefirst inning is completed and there are balls remaining to be pocketed:pocketing, in any order, any remaining balls of the plurality of ballsthat are left on the table; and said recording includes recording both afirst inning score and a second inning score as the score for the frame.4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: when all the balls arepocketed during the first inning for each frame that is not the M^(th)frame, recording the score for the frame as a strike and bypassing thesecond inning
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein, when a current frame isa last/final (M^(th)) frame of a game, the method further comprises:when a strike is recorded in the first inning of the final frame:entering a corresponding score on the score sheet; re-racking the ballsin the M^(th) configuration; and completing/playing a second inningaccording to first inning rules, wherein the balls are required to bepocketed in numerical/sequential order;
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein: when a strike is recorded in the second inning of the finalframe, the method further comprises: entering a corresponding score onthe score sheet; re-racking the balls in the M^(th) configuration; andcompleting/playing a third inning according to first inning rules,wherein the balls are required to be pocketed in numerical/sequentialorder; and when a spare is recorded in the second inning of the finalframe, the method further comprises: entering a corresponding score onthe score sheet; re-racking the balls in the M^(th) configuration; andcompleting/playing a third inning according to second inning rules,wherein the balls are not required to be pocketed innumerical/sequential order and may be pocketed in any order; when thestrike in the first inning of the final frame is not followed by asecond strike in the second inning of the final frame, then the methodcomprises: completing a third inning according to the second inningrules; and calculating a running total in the final frame based on (orequal to) a previous frame's total plus the total of the three inningsof the final frame.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein when the score ofthe first inning of the final frame is not a strike, the methodcomprises: recording individual scores of the first two innings of thefinal frame; and when the first two innings of the final frame resultsin a spare: completing a third inning according to “first inning rules”;and calculating a running total in the final frame based on (or equalto) a previous frame's total plus the total of the three innings of thefinal frame; and when the first two innings of the final frame does notresult in a spare, calculating a running total as equal to the previousframe's total plus the total of the two innings of the final frame. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed by an electronicdevice executing program code and which receives one or more inputs froma player of the game, which inputs initiate and control the variousfunctions performed by the executing program code.
 9. An electronicdevice comprising: a processing module; one or more input devices orreceivers; a software utility executing on the electronic device thatenables one or more Pool-300™ gaming functionality from among: racking aplurality of balls in a first configuration among multipleconfigurations that are pre-assigned for uniquely racking the pluralityof balls, wherein the multiple configurations includes up to Mconfigurations, where M is a number of frames to be played in a singlegame; pocketing one or more of the plurality of balls in a firstpre-defined order utilizing the cue stick and a cue ball; assigning ascore for each of the one or more plurality of balls that are pocketedin the first pre-defined order; and recording the score within an entryof a score sheet corresponding to a number of the frame in which thescore was received.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein saidgaming functionality further comprises: generating a score sheet forentry of one or more player characteristics and scores for each frame tobe played in the game; visibly displaying the score sheet for view by auser of the electronic device; responsive to a receipt of a request forRules to play the game, retrieving one or more Rule Sheets and providingthe one or more rule sheets.
 11. The electronic device of claim 9,further comprising an associated player implement separate from thedevice and communicatively coupled to the device via a wireless or wiredsignal, wherein movement of the player implement is detected by theelectronic device and generates a corresponding or opposing action onone or more balls electronically displayed on a display device of theelectronic device.
 12. A Scoring Table for use with a skills gameinvolving a cue stick and balls as utilized in the game of pool, theScoring Table comprising: at least one column for entry of playeridentifying characteristics, such as a player name or nickname, playerhandicap, and player league status; a plurality of scoring columns, eachrepresenting a separate frame of an M frame game, wherein each of theplurality of scoring columns are utilized to record numeric scores inone or more frames that comprise a single game; and a plurality ofgraphical illustrations, one for each frame, indicating an arrangementof a plurality of balls that is to be utilized within the game for eachindividual frame, wherein the arrangement is a pre-defined, differentarrangement for each frame.
 13. The Scoring Table of claim 12, whereinthe number of different arrangements of the balls comprises up to Marrangements.
 14. The Scoring Table of claim 12, wherein each framecomprises: at least two boxes for insertion of a single scorerepresentative of a score received in a respective innings of the frame;and a total running score section for entry of a total score calculatedacross a current frame and each previous frame for which play hascompleted.
 15. A league handbook for facilitating establishment of aleague for playing a skills game involving a cue stick and balls asutilized in the game of pool, the handbook comprising a Scoring Tabledesigned according to claim 12.